Morris County, New Jersey Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NJ
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 93th
Morris County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 92.9, 93th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $208M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Morris County at medium composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 92.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 93rd national percentile and near the national midpoint for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Morris County's expected losses come from strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $6M in expected annual loss and about 6.37 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Very High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 14.33 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at High risk — $158M in expected annual loss and about 4.36 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $208M in expected annual loss for a population of 509K.
Beyond physical exposure, Morris County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The federal record bears this out: Morris County has received 33 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 10 for hurricane events and 8 for severe storm events. The most recent was Remnants of Hurricane Ida (hurricane), declared in September 2021.
Among 21 New Jersey counties, Morris County ranks #13 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | High | 6.37 / yr | $6M |
| Winter Weather | Very High | 14.33 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | High | 4.36 / yr | $158M |
| Cold Wave | High | 0.84 / yr | $15M |
| Lightning | High | 32.96 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 6.06 / yr | $5M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $7M |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.10 / yr | $6M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.18 / yr | $6M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.42 / yr | $14K |
| Drought | Medium | 2.64 / yr | $691K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.88 / yr | $215K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $23K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.47 / yr | $128K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $33 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Morris County has received 33 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Remnants of Hurricane Ida in September 2021. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (10), Severe Storm (8), Snowstorm (5).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2021 | Hurricane | Remnants of Hurricane Ida |
| September 2021 | Hurricane | Remnants of Hurricane Ida |
| April 2021 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| December 2020 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Isaias |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2018 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| March 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
Showing the 10 most recent of 33 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Morris County?
Morris County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 92.9 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 93th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Morris County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (High, $6M EAL), Winter Weather (Very High, $1M EAL), Riverine Flood (High, $158M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Morris County compare to other New Jersey counties?
Morris County ranks #13 of 21 New Jersey counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Morris County had?
FEMA records 33 federal disaster declarations for Morris County since 1965, most often 10 for hurricane events and 8 for severe storm events. The most recent was Remnants of Hurricane Ida, declared in September 2021.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Morris County's $208M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.